Nine Sophomore Fillies Contest Appalachian

Three-year-old fillies take the spotlight on Friday for the 15th running of the $100,000-added Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland to be run at one mile on the turf.

Sybon Stable's Ocean Drive, already a stakes winner over the course could be the post time favorite under jockey Jerry Bailey. The daughter of Belong to Me captured the Green River Stakes during last fall's meeting. She always runs well fresh for trainer Todd Pletcher and drew the cozy inside post for the Appalachian.

Kinsman Stable's Florida Oaks winner Ebony Breeze will also draw attention. She has won her last four starts for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and will have her Florida Oaks rider Mark Guidry in the saddle. She is searching for her first turf victory.

William D. Glass and The Estate of Joseph Famularo's Golden Marlin finished first in the Bourbonette Breeders' Cup at Turfway Park but she was disqualified for bothering Adopted Daughter in the stretch. She has never run on the grass but if she takes after her sire, Marlin, she should relish the lawn. Trainer Greg Foley has secured Pat Day to ride.

J. Paul Reddam's Tangle (Ire) ships in to Lexington from California for the Appalachian with her jockey Corey Nakatani. She beat Ocean Drive in the Miesque at Hollywood Park. Trainer Craig Dollase expects a top effort here.

The field for Friday's $100,000 Appalachian, with jockey assignements, from the rail out. All the entrants are scheduled to carry 116 pounds, except Ocean Drive, who is assigned 120.